Walt Disney World has begun aggressively casting women for a new entertainment offering to take place at Epcot’s Japan pavilion in its World Showcase. According to the casting notices, Disney is seeking to fulfill roles that celebrate Tokyo’s Harajuku, a neighborhood known for attracting Japanese teens and young adults sporting unique fashions. Harajuku was popularized in the United States several years ago by ‘Tragic Kingdom’ alum Gwen Stefani, who popularized it in a song and accompanying music video and stage tour.

The perpetual hot button topic of Walt Disney World fans is what the next pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase will be. Will it be Australia? Brazil? Russia? Israel? One of the marvels of the existing World Showcase is just how much space is available for development on property for additional pavilions. Now thanks to filings with the South Florida Water Management District office, we have our answer: Arendelle. Of course this doesn’t mean that Norway has been saved from handing over its Maelstrom attraction to Anna and Elsa of Disney’s Frozen, rather Queen Elsa has annexed the current ‘vacant’ lot located between the Mexico and and Norway pavilions for a project titled ‘Frozen Meet and Greet Building.’

Walt Disney World today unveiled some of its plans for the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (March 4 – May 17, 2015).

New topiaries include Anna and Elsa re-recreating the finale scene from Frozen, while other brand-new Disney character topiaries will include Chip and Dale taking a star turn in two whimsical front-entrance ‘Goofy About Spring’ floral vignettes. Topiary Goofy and friends will be in on the fun.

Fresh new menu items will debut at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens where, for the third festival year running, guests can taste garden- and spring-inspired tapas-sized food and beverages and have their complimentary Garden Passports stamped as they stroll the World Showcase promenade.

The official Disney Parks blog today announced that Disney’s Frozen will find a permanent home at the Norway pavilion in Walt Disney World’s Epcot in the future, replacing Maelstrom, which had been in place since the pavilion was first added in 1988. According to the news, the new attraction ‘takes our guests to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film.’ Anna and Elsa, who currently offer a meet and greet at the Magic Kingdom after having started at the Norway pavilion, will resume meet and greets at the new attraction when it is constructed. As of now, there is no announced timeframe for Maelstrom’s closure and replacement.

New country music duo Maddie & Tae — Maddie Marlow (left) and Tae Dye (right) — pose with Minnie Mouse at Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion this past weekend. The duo’s debut single, ‘Girl in A Country Song,’ is rising up the charts and its music video currently has amassed more than 5 million views on YouTube.

Juan Pablo Galavis, star of the upcoming edition of ABC’s ‘The Bachelor,’ poses yesterday, December 29, 2013 with a soccer-clad Mickey Mouse at the Epcot theme park located in the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Galavis, a former professional soccer player, will star on the 18th season of the reality series when it debuts on January 5, 2014.

Kermit the Frog will find it is easy being green when his artfully-crafted character topiary debuts during the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV March 5 to May 18, 2014 at Walt Disney World Resort. With flamboyance to spare, a floral Miss Piggy will join Kermit and his blooming banjo in the World Showcase topiary display.

Walt Disney World today announced its celebration plans for July 4, 2013, as well as what it calls ‘Independence Week’ (July 1-7), part of its year-long ‘Limited Time Magic’ campaign.

All week long, Walt Disney World will present its special fireworks program, ‘Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky’ at the Magic Kingdom, described as a ’15-minute 360-degree fireworks spectacular.’ Prior to the daily afternoon parade, ‘Celebrate a Dream Come True,’ Goofy, Donald and Pluto will lead a spirited procession down Main Street, U.S.A. The rousing pre-parade also features the Main Street Philharmonic, Citizens of Main Street and Walt Disney’s historic horse-drawn calliope. Patriotic-themed merchandise and tasty treats inspired by Americana will also be on the menu all week long.

Disney guests can sip and savor fresh flavors from six continents during the 18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 27-Nov. 11, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney chefs will debut the authentic tastes of Scotland at the celebrated 46-day festival known for innovative food, wine, beer, cocktails, music and entertainment. The sizzling aromas of more than 25 ethnic and specialized marketplaces including Africa, Brazil and Florida Local will tempt guests strolling the World Showcase Promenade. Celebrity chefs like Warren Brown and Jamie Deen will bring culinary cachet to special festival events and demonstrations.